Look for Imagination Library donation cans at local libraries. Gifts will help local volunteers continue to work with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to send free books to local children from birth to five years of age.
Every month, 2,311 children in parts of Macomb, Oakland and Lapeer counties find a book in the mailbox — because of neighbors who fund it, volunteers who run it, and a woman from Sevier County, TN who started it all.
In honor of Dolly Parton’s commitment to literacy through Imagination Library and an outpouring of interest and support from the community, Four County Community Foundation’s Friends of Imagination Library have placed donation jars in several of our local libraries. Cash can be dropped in the jars or patrons can use a provided QR code to make an online gift.
“Our community signed on to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in 2022 to give our children the best start in life,” said Kathy Markel, one of the local affiliate’s founders.
“While our hearts are incredibly sad, we’re more inspired than ever to continue this important mission. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children,” she said.
The book gifting program provides free age appropriate, high-quality books to children from birth to age five every month, regardless of their family’s income. Currently, the foundation’s Imagination Library program currently serves children in Addison, Almont, Armada, Attica, Dryden, Imlay City, Metamora, Memphis, New Haven, Ortonville, Oxford, Ray, Richmond, Romeo, Shelby, and Washington.
Dolly Parton passed away on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 80. In a statement to Imagination Library affiliates, the Dollywood Foundation shared that Imagination Library will continue.
“Our organization is strong, our mission is clear, and our commitment to the children and families we serve has never been greater. Dolly didn't build the Imagination Library to last for her lifetime. She built it to last for theirs,” said Jeff Conyers, Vice Chair & President at The Dollywood Foundation.
A gift of just $31 helps our affiliate provide a year’s worth of book for one child and a gift of $156 will cover the cost for one child to receive 60 books over the course of five years.
To learn more about the program or make a donation visit https://bit.ly/4CCFImaginationLibrary. Donations can also be made by calling (810) 798-0909 or sending payment to 4CCF, 141 S. Main Street, Romeo, MI 48065.